Breaking News: Bob Myers Wins Executive of the Year

The Golden State Warriors have finally nabbed their first individual award of the season. The NBA revealed that the Warriors’ general manager Bob Myers won the Executive of the Year award with 82 points and 13 first-place votes, while the Cleveland Cavaliers’ general manager David Griffin came second with 69 points and 8 first-place votes.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, as many felt that the favourite for the award was Griffin. However, by putting together a 67-win team, Myers is a well-deserving winner.

Since taking over in 2012, Myers has played a large role in turning around the franchise’s fortunes. He took a team mired in mediocrity and transformed them into title contenders with a slew of shrewd trades, smart free agent signings, and wise draft picks.

One of the biggest decisions Myers had to make this season was whether to pursue Kevin Love during the offseason. It was well-reported that the Warriors had an interest in Love, but the Minnesota Timberwolves were demanding Klay Thompson as part of the trade package. The Warriors were unwilling to part, and subsequently cancelled trade talks. They then extended Thompson to a near-max contract extension – a decision that was ridiculed at the time, but has since been justified with Thompson’s rise as one of the league’s best two-way shooting guards.

Feb 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) passes the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) defend in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Warriors won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Myers’ case for the award was also bolstered by the improvement of Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green. Both were considered bit-part role players last season, but have become full-time starters and key players in the Warriors’ success.

Throw in the performances of free agent acquisitions such as Leandro Barbosa and Shaun Livingston, who have both become key cogs in the Warriors’ rotation, and you have a worthy Executive of the Year winner.

But perhaps the biggest reason why Myers won the award is his coaching staff. The Warriors and former coach Mark Jackson parted ways after last season, and it was not an easy move to make, considering the success that Jackson has brought to the franchise. Still, Myers went ahead with it, and hired Steve Kerr – an unknown quantity in the coaching circles. Myers and Kerr brought in experienced assistant coaches in Alvin Gentry and Ron Adams to help Kerr out, which has led to the best regular season in franchise history.

Congratulations, Bob Myers.

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